Terms of Reference for a Review of the Parliamentary Entitlements Framework

The review will provide advice and recommendations to Government addressing issues
such as:

developing a single principles-based legislative basis that authorises the
provision of specified entitlements, identifies who is eligible to access these
entitlements and in what circumstances, and the purposes for which these
entitlements may be used;

recommending framework changes that remove instances of overlap,
duplication, inconsistency and gaps in the provision of entitlements;

defining, in regulations and/or legislative instruments, key terms and the scope
and any limits on entitlements use;

improving transparency in the use of taxpayer-funded parliamentary
entitlements;

enabling accountability processes to be mandated; and

recommending possible improvements to the protocol for handling allegations of
misuse of entitlements.

In formulating advice and recommendations, the review should have regard to:

the development of a new simplified framework;

appropriate use of entitlements during election campaigns;

the inter relationship with the Members of Parliament (Staff Act) 1984
employment framework;

entitlements provided at Parliament House;

remuneration and allowances (including the current electorate allowance);

private-plated vehicles;

overseas study travel;

entitlements to Life Gold Pass and severance travel;

entitlements of former Prime Ministers (including a head of authority to provide
any entitlements), Governors-General and former Parliamentarians;

production of postal vote applications under the printing entitlement; and

other matters considered relevant to the review.

The Review is to report to Government within six months of commencement.